Tim and Joanie Ingraham look back on a life at PEM

Together, the couple have devoted their lives to these two passions: sailing, and the institution created by their forebears. When PEM’s 2026 gala was announced as Where Wonder Takes Us: An Evening Beyond Time and Place — inspired by the spirit of boundless curiosity, cross-cultural exchange and wonder reflected in East India Marine Hall — it was pretty obvious who this year’s honorees would be. When asked how the two of them feel about being the center of attention at the gala on November 7, Joanie exclaimed, "embarrassed!" and then more softly, “and honored.”

Tim has been involved with PEM’s collections since before the Peabody Museum of Salem and the Essex Institute merged in 1992. Rather than take a salary, Tim wanted to remain a lifelong volunteer, so he could take advantage of other opportunities, like going on two sailing voyages around the world. He’s been serving on the Board of Trustees since the late 1980s. 

The couple points out that volunteering has made them both “lifelong learners.” Curiosity keeps them young, as they always learn something new when they come into the museum. On a sunny spring day, we chatted in the Main Atrium (after Tim shook hands with lots of other visitors). Their son Sam excused himself to go see the popular sculpture exhibition that was open at the time, Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone, and Joanie came over from her post in the museum offices. We marveled at tiny kids holding onto a rope as they paraded adorably before frontline staff members, and at groups of teenagers on docent tours. 

"This is what it’s all about", reflected Tim: "why you give your time, talent and treasure to such a place."

From their childhoods, both Tim and Joanie remember the leatherback turtle and “opening the drawer to see the oil dripping.” They look back fondly at the whale teeth, recall the different shapes of canoe paddles from around the world and reflect on their appreciation of ship portraits.

Seeing the “fresh” interpretation of East India Marine Hall, which opened this past spring, and the embrace of PEM’s origin story, has thrilled them both. “You can now peel it like an onion,” Tim said. “It's all stories: what's behind that? where did it come from?” Like many visitors, he’s been struck by the newly collected, recorded stories about objects that visitors can now listen to in the gallery. 

The couple is exceedingly seaworthy. Joanie was the first woman ever to hold the title of Master at the more than 250-year-old Salem Marine Society. The two met while Joanie worked at Manchester Yacht Club before learning that they both descend from PEM notables. At one point, Joanie started down a family tree story that landed on two of their ancestors conspiring to ask philanthropist George Peabody to procure the funds to save the museum from a time of financial turmoil. Peabody did so by first sailing to London. 

As Joanie wound up her story, with Tim listening intently, he interjected, “Yeah, but what’s really going to keep this place going is the new blood.” The couple’s son Alex is also now a Trustee — something his parents are very proud of.